Chula Vista’s new bayfront park begins to take shape

Chula Vista’s Bayfront development includes two waterfront parks. Harbor Park will be the bigger destination spot while Sweetwater Park will showcase the area’s local natural resources.

Port of San Diego

Almost 100 attendees had a chance to tell designers what features they’d like to see in Sweetwater Park, a 51-acre space east of E Street that connects the Living Coast Discovery Center to Bayside Park

The Port of San Diego and the city of Chula Vista held a public design workshop March 20 for one of two signature parks connected to the city’s billion-dollar Bayfront development project.

Almost 100 attendees had a chance to tell designers what features they’d like to see in Sweetwater Park, a 51-acre space east of E Street that connects the Living Coast Discovery Center to Bayside Park.

Unlike Harbor Park, which will be much larger and feature amenities designed to make it a destination where families can spend hours, Sweetwater Park will appeal to people who want to connect with nature and explore the natural resources.

“I think it’s great that they are getting public input,” said Chula Vista resident Michael Cronin.

Designers envision Sweetwater Park as a place where people can connect with the area’s natural wetland habitat and San Diego Bay. The mock-ups showed walking and hiking trails and several outlook points featuring views of the bay, Coronado and downtown San Diego.

“We do not have the budget to do everything as shown, so you need to help us prioritize the elements we bring in,” said designer Mike Singleton. “So it’s very important for you not to say, “love it” on everything.”

Both design concepts had a parking lot, public restrooms, trails and activity areas. One design featured more active elements, such as playgrounds and outdoor gyms, while the other design tried to highlight the area’s natural elements with more lookout points and hiking trails.

Hope Dills, another Chula Vista resident, liked elements from each design but said she preferred the more natural version.

“I love nature,” she said.

The Port of San Diego plans to return to Chula Vista in June for a follow-up workshop during which designers will reveal updated versions of Sweetwater and Harbor parks. Residents will have another chance to provide feedback on those designs.